Violence against Aboriginal, First Nations, Native American, Indigenous women. This forum looks at the issues, news updates, initiatives. This forum is dedicated to the families and friends of the hundreds of women who are missing or have been identified as murder victims throughout Turtle Island. We acknowledge the Creator's blessings on their souls and spirits in their new journey.

"The campaign seeks to humanize and respect the spirit of our stolen sisters while asking all of us to confront this problem head on and realize we all have a role in solving it."

March 21, 2011

MANITOBA ACTION GROUP ON EXPLOITED AND VULNERABLE WOMEN LAUNCHES PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

A new awareness campaign aimed at helping the public empathize with families of missing and murdered women and girls was launched today by Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson, co-chair, Manitoba Action Group on Exploited and Vulnerable Women, in partnership with Crime Stoppers and families of victims.

"The message is intended to change public perception around the ongoing tragedy of missing and murdered women and girls in our province," said Robinson. "The campaign seeks to humanize and respect the spirit of our stolen sisters while asking all of us to confront this problem head on and realize we all have a role in solving it."

The campaign features billboard and transit ads with photographs chosen by families of victims that best reflect how they saw and knew their loved ones, said Robinson. By asking "what if she was your daughter?" the idea is to foster understanding with Manitobans and make a collective commitment to change, he said.

"Crime Stoppers recognizes the importance of accurately reflecting how families know and remember their missing or murdered loved one and we are proud to partner with Manitoba in this worthy undertaking," said Richard Edwards, director for the Manitoba Region of the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association.

Barbara Houle, whose daughter Cherisse was murdered in 2009, said, "Cherisse was my baby girl and my family and I adored her. I feel this campaign gives a better picture of how important she is to us."

The Manitoba Action Group on Exploited and Vulnerable Women was created in September 2009 to provide strategic advice to the province as it develops new policies to address the crisis of abused and exploited women in Manitoba, said Robinson. The action group supports the work of the Manitoba Integrated Task Force for Missing and Murdered Women.